Tenzin Nyidon
DHARAMSHALA, June 11: The Independent Federation of Chinese Students and Scholars (IFCSS) has announced Dolma Gyari as the recipient of the 2025 “Spirit of Freedom Award,” recognizing her contributions to the Tibetan struggle and democratic development in exile. Currently serving as the Security Minister in the 16th Kashag of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), Dolma Gyari’s decades-long leadership has made her an enduring symbol of perseverance, reform, and female empowerment within the Tibetan community.
In its announcement, IFCSS lauded Dolma Gyari not only for her achievements but also as a representative of the Tibetan exile community’s broader democratic aspirations. The award, the Federation emphasized, pays homage to over 100,000 Tibetans in exile and expresses solidarity with the six million Tibetans inside Tibet who continue to face religious and political persecution under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Highlighting the brutal repression faced by Tibetans, including the tragic acts of self-immolation by over 150 individuals in recent years, the statement reflected IFCSS’s shared sorrow and empathy for Tibet’s suffering. Yet, it also acknowledged the progress made in exile under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, especially in building democratic institutions.
The IFCSS stated, “Although this road is not smooth and still needs to be explored and developed, it is pioneers like Ms. Dolma Gyari who set an example for Tibetans, especially women.” By honoring Gyari, the organization said it hopes to foster mutual understanding between the Han and Tibetan people, both of whom have endured CCP oppression, and to promote a shared democratic future in post-CCP China. “We hope this award will be a bridge for Han-Tibetan friendship after the CCP collapses,” the statement read.
The IFCSS also expressed support for the Middle Way Approach advocated by the Dalai Lama, which seeks genuine autonomy for Tibet within the framework of the People’s Republic of China.
Born in 1964 in Kalimpong, India, Dolma Gyari has played a pivotal role in shaping the political and democratic institutions of the Tibetan exile community. A graduate of Punjab University and Delhi University’s Law School, her political career began early, serving between 1986 and 1991 as a member of the Tibetan Youth Congress and advisor to the Tibetan Women’s Association.
In 1991, at just 26 years old, she was elected to the 11th Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, becoming one of the youngest members in its history. Her leadership trajectory continued as she was re-elected to the 12th through 14th parliaments, and later became the first woman to serve as Deputy Speaker of the 13th and 14th Tibetan Parliaments.
From 2011 to 2016, she served as Home Minister in the 14th Kashag (Cabinet), and in 2020, she entered the race for Tibetan political leader. She was later appointed as Security Minister in the 16th Kashag in November 2021. Throughout her public life, she has remained a consistent presence in the Tibetan exile movement for democracy and freedom, becoming an inspirational figure for both men and women across generations.
